Transport officials are looking into a sharply worded encounter between a taxi operator and his female passenger that was caught on camera in a two-minute clip that was circulated widely on social media.

The late-night interaction showed the driver berating her to “go back to your country” after being repeatedly asked for specifics about their route, with the unidentified passenger saying she felt afraid as a woman alone in the vehicle.

The driver could also be heard telling the woman she was “not my type”.

The operator, Dwayne Weeks, subsequently told The Royal Gazette that he had been filmed without his knowledge during the interaction roughly one week before, but acknowledged that he could have handled the interaction better.

He said he had been dealing with a passenger under the influence who had failed to clearly explain her destination to him, and claimed she became confrontational at the end of the journey.

The Transport Control Department confirmed today that the woman in question had contacted it and was “in the process of submitting a formal complaint”.

The matter was said to be under investigation, with a department spokeswoman adding: “The chairman of the Public Service Vehicles Licensing Board has been notified.

“Upon completion of the department’s investigation, the matter will be referred to the board for its consideration, including any disciplinary action or sanctions it deems appropriate.”

She added: “The ministry expects all public service vehicle operators to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and customer service.

“As the matter is under investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”

The Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association said it was aware of the video,

“However, without knowing all the facts, we cannot comment directly on the incident,” the BTOA added.

“A short clip does not provide enough context for us to respond substantively.

“What we can say is that any passenger or member of the public may report an incident involving a public service vehicle operator to the Transport Control Department and the Public Service Vehicles Licensing Board.

“These are the two bodies responsible for the operation and policy of public service vehicles.”

The association said taxi customers could take comfort in an added layer of protection through “an approved dispatch provider such as Journi Ltd”.

The comment referred to an app launched by the BTOA in April to offer real-time tracking by taxi dispatchers.

The association said: “This creates a job record with drivers and vehicle details that can be obtained by contacting the dispatch provider or reviewing it from your app.”

The BTOA added: “Every dispatch provider has a complaints process and can ensure that concerns are escalated to the PSVLB and TCD.”